Delaware lost the series opener 5-3 to Charleston Friday night. (File Photo)

Photo by Delaware Athletics

Patten Homers, but Blue Hens' Ninth-Inning Rally Comes Up Short at Charleston

By Delaware Athletics

Apr 27, 2018

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The University of Delaware received a three-run blast from first baseman Nick Patten, but ultimately dropped a heartbreaker, 5-3, to the College of Charleston Friday night at Patriots Point.

In the ninth, Delaware placed runners on the corners with two outs and the tying run on first base and ran Kevin Mohollen on a 1-2 pitch. After originally calling Mohollen safe, the umpires met and overturned the call, ending the game.

The Blue Hens (22-18, 7-6 CAA) fell behind early Friday night, as Charleston scored an early three runs (two earned) off starter Kyle Hinton(5-4) in the opening frame. Trying to make a dent in the Charleston lead, Delaware placed a pair of runners on base to begin the second, as Diaz Nardodoubled, and Calvin Scott singled to third. A pair of ground balls ultimately ended the threat.

After the Cougars (28-15, 10-6 CAA) added a run in the second, the Blue Hens answered in the third. Mohollen and Kyle Baker singled for the Hens, bringing up Patten with two outs. The slugger took the first pitch he saw from Charleston lefty Evan Sisk (8-3) to deep left-center hitting a palm tree way past the outfield wall.

The game remained 4-3 until the sixth when Charleston added its fifth and final run of the night on a single.

Delaware placed a runner on base in every inning except the fifth but hit just 4-15 with runners on base.

Delaware and Charleston return to action tomorrow afternoon for game two of the weekend series. Freshman Billy Sullivan IV will face Cougars righty Griffin McLarty. First pitch from Patriots Point is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Head coach Jim Sherman:

“Tonight was a tough start and finish for us tonight.Take away that first inning for Hinton and he pitched pretty well. As far as the ending, it's a shame that Mohollen was ruled out after being ruled safe. That's an odd way to end a game. Hopefully, we can bounce back this afternoon and get back in the series." HEN SCRATCHINGS:• The Blue Hens out-hit Charleston 10-5. Delaware dropped a game in which it out-hit an opponent for just the second time in 19 games. • Delaware received three scoreless innings lefty Matt Hornich (2.0 IP) and James Meeker (1.0 IP) out of the bullpen.• The Hens walked a season-high eight batters. • UD falls to 0-4 in night games this season. • Patten extended his on-base streak to 31 consecutive games. His fourth-inning home run was his sixth of the season. • Mohollen scored his team-best 34th run of the season.